Judge rejects request to dismiss Chris Brown case

Singer Chris Brown's assault case is going forward after a judge in Washington rejected a request to dismiss it.
Lawyers for the Grammy-award-winning singer had argued the case should be dismissed because prosecutors misused the grand jury process to prepare for trial. But a judge said today she did not believe there was any abuse.
Brown and his bodyguard were arrested in Washington in October and are accused of punching a man outside a Washington hotel. His trial on the misdemeanor assault charge is set for April 17. Brown's lawyers and a government prosecutor are expected to be in court later today for an additional hearing.

Issues to be discussed include whether Brown will be barred from claiming self-defence.
Brown's case will be heard by a judge, not a jury.